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How to Steam Clean Walls Like a Pro
Steam is an easy, efficient way to wash some wall surfaces
Photo: Andrii Borodai / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Photo: Andrii Borodai / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
SKILL LEVEL
Easy
COMPLETION TIME
1 hour
COST
Up to $25
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
- Steam cleaner
- Drop cloths
- Microfiber cloths
- Vacuum with duster attachment
SUPPLIES
- Warm water
- Dish soap (optional)
- Baking soda (optional)
Washing the walls in your home might not be at the top of your to-do list, but it’s a task worth adding to your spring cleaning checklist. Over time, these surfaces can accumulate dust, scuffs, smudges, stains, and even funky food smells. Steam cleaning is a speedy and chemical-free way to wash surfaces throughout your home, and, in some scenarios, it works on walls. Here’s how to steam clean walls in your home and keep these surfaces looking spotless.
Prepping to Steam Clean Walls
Before you use the steamer, you need to be sure this is the right method for cleaning your home’s walls. These appliances use a stream of hot steam to sanitize surfaces. While this effectively removes dirt and germs, it can damage more delicate finishes and push moisture into porous surfaces.
So, can you steam clean walls? The answer is, it depends. Steam cleaning is more likely to damage walls covered in water-based paints (especially flat, low-sheen varieties), paper wallpaper, and unsealed, porous natural stone. You might be able to use a steam cleaner on these wall surfaces, but you need to avoid lingering too long on one section, use a low steam setting, and wipe down the walls promptly to remove moisture. Always perform a spot test on a hidden part of the wall to test how the surface copes with the steam.
How to Steam Clean Walls
If you’re sure steam cleaning suits your wall surface, follow these steps to stay safe, prevent streaks, and say goodbye to stubborn stains.
Prep the Room
You want to ensure easy access to the wall surfaces and prevent dust and water drips from falling onto furnishings or the floor. Remove wall hangings and pull out furniture so you have space to work. Then, lay drop cloths along the base of the walls and on any floating shelves, and be cautious around electrical outlets.
Prep the Walls
Dusting your walls to get rid of cobwebs and debris makes them easier to steam clean and minimizes the chance of leaving a streaky residue. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment, an extendable duster, or dry microfiber cloths.
Assemble Your Steam Cleaner
Photo: velimir / Adobe StockGet your steam cleaner ready for use. Instructions on how to set up the appliance and use attachments will vary depending on your model. You’ll always have to fill the water tank, and there should be an extension wand to reach the top of the walls. If the cleaner has a wide-angle nozzle, use this to cover more surface area and speed up the process. For cleaners with adjustable steam levels, you should pick the lowest setting to minimize the chance of wall surface damage.
Steam cleaners usually take a few minutes to reach the right temperature. Always handle with care—the stream of steam can burn when in direct contact with skin.
Steam Clean the Walls
Start steam cleaning walls at the top and work your way down. Hold the nozzle around 4 to 6 inches away from the wall, working in slow, vertical strokes. Keep the nozzle moving over the surface—if you let it linger in one spot too long, this could lead to surface damage.
Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to wipe away excess moisture or loosened grime as you go. This reduces the chance of streaks, water stains, or moisture damage on the wall surface. Replace the cloth with a dry one once it gets too damp or dirty.
Spot Clean Stubborn Stains
If there are any stubborn stains, consider running the steam cleaner over the section again. Failing that, try using a few drops of dish soap or baking soda in warm water—again testing on an inconspicuous spot first. Apply using a damp microfiber cloth, but don’t soak the wall or scrub too hard during the process.
You might need to touch up the area with the same paint color and finish if there are any stuck-on stains.
Air Out the Room
Photo: Catherine Falls Commercial / Moment / Getty ImagesTo prevent condensation from forming, leave the windows open or use fans during the cleaning process for an hour or two after.
Replace Wall Hangings and Furnishings
Let the walls dry fully before you remove the drop cloths and put back wall hangings and furniture. Consider dusting them off or wiping them with a microfiber cloth as part of a larger deep clean of your home.
Empty and Store Steam Cleaner
Photo: velimir / Adobe StockDon’t forget to empty the water out of your steam cleaner and let it dry before storing it, which helps prevent mold from forming. Follow any other instructions for storage in the instruction manual.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Steam cleaning walls is a job even the least handy homeowner can tackle. If you already have a steam cleaner, all it might cost is your time, as most of the supplies are likely things you’ll already have around the home. Even if you don’t have a steam cleaner, the average cost to buy one is $150, and then you can also learn how to steam clean couches, floors, and other home items—making it a worthwhile investment.
Average professional wall cleaning costs are between $170 and $465. Hiring a local house cleaner might be money well spent if you're concerned about whether steam cleaning your walls is appropriate. It’s also worthwhile if you just don’t have the time to tackle all the walls in your house.
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